14 DAY TRIAL // Video game publisher and hardware maker Sony has announced a new program called PSN Day 1 Digital, which will allow gamers to get a number of AAA titles via digital download, via the PlayStation Network on the same day that they are available at retail, for the moment only in the United States.
The games that will be offered via digital download on launch day include:
Resident Evil 6 – October 2 for the same price as retail NBA 2K13 – October 2 for retail price, 53.99 dollars for PlayStation Plus subscribers Dishonored – October 9, retail price and the already mentioned special offer for PS Plus members DOOM 3: BFG Edition – October 3, with a price of 35.99 dollars for PS Plus subscribers 007 Legends – October 16, for retail price Medal of Honor: Warfighter – October 23 for retail price Need for Speed: Most Wanted – retail price and 53.99 dollars for PS Plus subscribers Assassin’s Creed III – October 30 for retail price
The offer for those who have a PlayStation Plus membership is only available for the first week after the game is launched.
Presumably, Sony will announce a new round of offers for the PSN Day 1 Digital program once November rolls around.
A growing number of players has been asking for digital launches on the same day as retail launches for some time, but console creators have been unwilling to implement the idea because they feared a clash with brick and mortar stores.
It will be interesting to see whether Microsoft introduces a similar program linked to the Xbox Live service, maybe in its Gold incarnation, especially considering that the company has a number of high profile exclusives, like Halo 4, coming during the fall.
Rumors have been suggesting that digital distribution will play a bigger role in the next generation of home consoles from both Sony and Microsoft.